Best route to New Zealand with kids...

[NewBallsPlease00]

We are heading to New Zealand this Christmas and as expected flights are extortionate, I've got over that because it's something we need to do for various reasons, however I'm wondering what the best route is, will have a 3 and 6 year old with me and dh, whilst I'd prefer Emirates for standards the Dubai to Aukland leg looks horrifically long... Which rite and airline would you say is best? Thanks

I'd definitely not go via LA because you have to clear US immigration and pick up your bags etc. All that hassle is avoided going the other way.
I'm sure Emirates would be fine but yes from Dubai it is a long way.

Singapore airlines is still one of the very best airlines out there and Singapore is a fab airport to transit in. It's also very worthwhile for a day or two's stopover if you're thinking of doing that.

Singapore is seriously worth booking through. We allowed time to use the roof swimming pool and to do the tour of Singapore and sleep for a bit... SO worth it.

Fab thanks, most seem to be codeshare sing/airNZ- any noticeable difference between them?

Some of the long Emirates flights to aus/nz have a stopover in Singapore for a couple of hours. I flew to Melbourne last year with them, on the way out I did Manchester to Dubai then Dubai to Melbourne which was a really long flight (maybe 13hrs?). On the way back it was three shorter flights. I actually preferred the longer flight as getting on and off the plane several times was a pain. However I was on my own, with kids you might appreciate the chance to get off and stretch your legs.

Done this trip a lot! Recommend Singapore airlines - the staff are great and a layover in Singapore is really nice as the airport is great and the timings for the connections are usually quickest. Avoid the US route, for some reason it's just really hard work and LAX is the pits

We always go with Cathay via HK. It's 11 hours to Auckland and I think Cathay now flies to Christchurch too. Cathay is a decent airline - good service, decent food and excellent in flight entertainment system.

We flew emirates through Dubai a year ago with a 4yo and 7yo. The Dubai to Auckland leg was horrific! DH and I both agree we will never fly that way again. We have flown through Korea and Singapore with two 12ish hour flights and these were much better. 16/17 hours on a plane was just too long for us and the kids.

Singapore Airlines would be my choice.

It's not going to be a fun flight regardless. Whether you do the longer leg first or second, it'll be reversed on your return flight.

I would also suggest avoiding a long stopover. I have always done the minimal stopover with my children. When we went to the UK recently, we only spent around an hour in the connecting airport, which was ideal.

I do Auckland/UK regularly via Dubai. The Auckland/Dubai leg is tough and I definitely would not recommend it with children. I do it that way as it is just a short(!!) hop from Dubai to Manchester so it suits me. Going via Singapore usually gives you two 12 hour flights, so more manageable. Singapore Airlines often give you a very cheap, or free, stopover for a couple of days, which could be a good way to break the journey.

Do you have an internal flight once you arrive in Auckland? I think Emirates and Singapore are excellent, although my husband flew Etihad in May and was very pleased. I would not go via USA, but have been via Canada which was ok. Have also used Cathay and Maylasia - both absolutely fine.

Whichever way you do it, enjoy your trip - weather usually excellent in December/January. 30C here at the moment

Via US is a pain, the 2nd leg is a nighmare via Dubai. Singapore is the best, have also done Kuala Lumpur which was fine. Cathay, Air NZ, Singapore and Emirates are all good to fly with. Don’t go via Bangkok with Thai.. flown with them twice and never ever ever again. Horrific experiences.